Group Member: Brishen Iannitelli-Pombo, Flovijana Morina, Mimoza Selmani, Arta Shita, Kaltrina Sulejmani

Air Pollution from Power Plants

References K-O (edited by Mimoza Selmani)

Kasapolli, A. (2011, March 4). Evropa e Lirë. Ndotja kërcënon banorët e Obiliqit - Radio Evropa e Lirë © 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/3545433.htmlThis article deals with air pollution engendered by KEK, which is the main electricity supplier in the country. During 2011, 14 cases with cancer were discovered because of air pollution. This represents an increase compared to 2010. Also, officials from the power plant claim that they have started to work on projects that cost approximately 50 million in order to prevent damages caused by air pollution.

This online article was written by Ariana Kasapolli-Selani, in Albanian language. In this article the author explains how Power plants are affecting peoples’ lives.In last year 14 persons were struggling with cancer, and one of the causes of this disease is considered to be the high pollution of the environment, which is caused by power plants. The author has visited the “Family Medicine Center” to know the situation of the citizens in Obiliq. One of the doctors there, was very upset about the situation of the citizens, she said that “lots of people are visiting medicine center, while the number of people with cancer is increasing every year”. Moreover, the head of the municipality expresses his concerns for his own citizens, but, he explains that this issue belongs to the government and not to them because they don’t have the budget to make any possible solution. However, the spokesman for the Kosovo Energy Corporation informs the citizens that this issue will be solved in 2013 after finishing the project that they are implementing.  We hope that this big issue will be solved and people of Obiliq will finally breathe fresh air.

Krasniqi-Veseli, L. (2012, May 12). Kosovë: Mjedis i degraduar. Evropa e Lirë - Radio Evropa e Lirë. Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/24578493.html

This article briefly describes the situation of the environmental degradation in our country.  It focuses on the environmental situation in the recent years.  The article firstly starts by introducing Kosovo’s main environmental problems such as the pollution of air, water and land. The article includes a statement made by the director of the Environmental Center in Kosovo, Zeqir Veselaj who states that the environmental situation is worsening every day and it is far from the European standards. Moreover, he states that the laws implemented by the Kosovo government are in compliance with theh standards imposed by the EU but their implementation has not started and most likely it will not start in the near future. The article goes on by presenting some of the possible solutions for the problem such as: building a new power plant, the privatization of KEK and so on.
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Krasniqi-Veseli, L. (7 Nov. 2011)  "Rreziku Nga Ndotja E Ambientit Në Kosovë." Radio Evropa E Lirë. N.p.  Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/24383644.html>.

This artice, written by Luljeta Krasniqi – Veseli for the website “Evropa e Lirë” argues about the environment issues that Kosovo is currently facing and it describes the reasons why do these issues happen.  She tries to prove that the main risk of Kosovo’s air pollution is caused by the power plants, which according to her take a massive ground area, thus giving more negatives than positives to the environment.

Kosova me mjedisin më të degraduar në Evropë. (2012, May 12). Koha Ditore. Retrieved from: http://www.kohaditore.com/?page=1,13,99158

This is an article about air pollution in Kosovo. It lists the three main air pollutants and discusses the bad air quality in Kosovo and the consequences of this pollution on the lives of Kosovo’s citizens.

Mainhardt, H., Sinani, N. (2012, August).  Draft Country Environmental Analysis Fails to Account for Significant Pollution Costs. Retrieved from: http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12669.aspxThis article can be classified as an addition to the World Bank Report on current Environmental issues in Kosovo. This article has identified key issues that this report does not cover or include, thus it has come so far as to lay out all the things that are missing.The World Bank report addresses Environmental issue costs and how much of a strain to the country they are, however have forgotten or neglected certain extra costs. This analysis says that the extra costs of environmental pollution are: lack of a comparison basis for all environmental pollution sources, underestimation of air pollution health costs, underestimation of environmental pollution, underestimation of water supply costs, underestimation of agricultural costs, underestimation of the mercury impact costs, and lack of any calculation of climate change costs.Due to not including such important costs, as the ones mentioned above, the BIC regards the World Bank Report as ‘failing’ to account for significant costs that account for environmental pollution.  In addition, this article includes recommendations drafted by the Institute for Development Policy (INDEP), which are recommendations on what the World Bank should include in the report.

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Environmental Protection Division "Kosova- Energy and Environmental Challenges to Security" (November, 2007). Retrieved October
22, 2011 from http://archive.rec.org/natoworkshop/draft_papers/hakaj_kosova.pdf
This report talks about how environmental status of Kosovo is dominated by a range of issues including polluted TIR, soil and water and poor infrastructure management. The author also argues that in there was a environmental protection regime in the past. It also explains how Kosova Strategy of Energy of and Kosova Development Strategy and Action Plans, recognizes the opportunities for improving environmental goals through :Reducing environmental impacts of energy use and promote environmental awareness in the operation of the energy industry.
*Kosovo Environment and Climate Analysis. (n.d.). **sida. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from* www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf
This Kosovo Environment and Climate Change Analysis (ECCA) serves as a point of departure for a discussion on how environment and climate change issues can be integrated in the Swedish cooperation strategy with Kosovo. Environment and Climate is one of three thematic priorities set by the government of Sweden for its development cooperation, and includes four focus areas: (i) adaptation to climate change; (ii) energy; (iii) environment and security; and (iv).

Musliu, Jeton. (September 21, 2011). Living Under the Shadow of Death. Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved on September 8^th, 2012 from http://gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,978,39

“Living Under the Shadow of Death” is a newspaper article that was published in the local newspaper, Jeta në Kosovë, just over a year ago. It was written by the acclaimed, Pristina-based journalist, Jeton Musliu. It was originally written and published in Albanian language; however, this review is of the version that was translated to English language. Musliu has written and worked for several different newspapers and new companies, covering stories in both Pristina and other parts of the Balkans. He has also traveled to other European countries to research and work on various news stories and articles. In this particular article, Musliu focused on the village and villagers of Dardhishtë, which is near to Obiliq, another fairly small village, outside of Pristina and very close to the KEK power plants.

In the article, Jeton Musliu focuses on the deadly amounts of pollution that are emitted by the KEK coal-fired power plant, known as Kosovo A. This power plant is very old and outdated and it was built long before safety regulations were considered to be a serious concern. The plant was supposed to be closed down between 2015 and 2017, so that Kosovo could begin to work towards the European Union’s standards and limits on Carbon emissions. However, according to this article, this idea of closing down Kosovo A power plant has “unofficially” been rejected, and KEK plans to keep the plant open until 2025. Musliu chose to visit the village of Dardhishtë and talk with the people who live there for this story because they are the people who are most endangered and most harmfully affected by the use of the coal-fired power plant and by KEK’s negligent activities and decisions. Many if not most, of these villagers include KEK employees and their families, which is one reason why they live within clear sight of the plant. Doctor Musli Mehaj, a specialist at the Institute of Medicine of Labor, believes Dardhishtë to be the most dangerous place to live in relation to the Kosovo A power plant. He says that they see between 200 and 300 patients a day, mostly KEK employees and their families, all suffering from repertory problems, and some with other illnesses as well. Of all of Kosovo, Dardhishtë has the highest rate of people who are affected by cancer. The issues of extreme air pollution, discussed in this article are very important because they are having deadly effects on the people living in villages near to the power plant. If the Kosovo A power plant is not closed down, the terribly polluted air will continue causing disease and death. This article is also something to consider in regards to the push to build a new coal-fired power plant in the corresponding area.

References P-T (edited by Arta Shita)

Rexhepi, F., Rugova, A., Arbneshi, T. (2010). **Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Ibër River* **{}Sediment{}*. Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia: BALWOIS. Retrieved in September 16, 2011, from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1681.pdf _ _
This research paper written by Fatos Rexhepi, Ardian Rugova, and Tahir Arbneshi in English was intended to determine the quantity of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in the sediment of the Ibër River as well as identification of the potential pollutants of this water. The authors conducted this study by the side of Department of Technology and the Department of Chemistry in University of Prishtina in 25, 29 May 2010.
This article written by Rexhepi, Rugova, and Arbneshi, contains a research over the heavy metal pollution in the aqua system, specifically in the Iber River. This river is a subject to this kind of pollution being very close to the major mines of lead and zinc in Zvecan and Mitrovica. The result from the research, which included an experiment of the water composition, showed that Iber contains copper, zinc, cadmium and increasing quotes of lead. This research gives data in one of the major environment related issue - that is water pollution. Thus it can be very useful in backing up the arguments over the water pollution in Kosovo.

"     "(Rexhepi, Rugova, & Arbneshi, 2010).

Salihu, A., (2005, February 25). Kosovo Pollution Fears. **Institute for War & Peace Reporting.* *BCR Issue 513.Retrieved in September 17, 2011, from http://iwpr.net/report-news/kosovo-pollution-fears
This article written by Arben Salihu in English has the intention to tackle the pollution problem caused by Kosova A, one of two power stations of the Kosovo Energetic Corporation, KEK. It intensifies the fact that the villagers of Dardhishte are being seriously damaged (lung cancer and respiratory diseases) from the carelessness of the workers in the power plant that remove the filters for whatever reason. The article was issued on February the 25^thin 2005 in Institute for War & Peace Reporting page.
In the article that "Kosovo's Old Power Plants Sources of Cancer, Lung Disease", that is written by Arben Salihu, the author figures out the air pollution that is caused be thermo central energy power located in Obiliq-Kastriot. This continuous damage from air pollution has impacted the movement and impacted the decrease in population of villages near these energy sources. In addition, the author emphasizes that the pollution came from the two main power plants that are on the aforementioned bases.

          The article here is talking about the negative effects of the Kosovo A power plant on its close environment, mostly on the village of Dardhishte, which is located right beside the plant and therefore absorbs most of the negative effects of the plant, such as pollution. Namely, high emissions of particles and poisonous gas coming from the chimney of the plant, as well as other toxic materials which are poured into the rivers and streams of this area have caused many casualties in this region, especially in the village of Dardhishte. In this area, people consider themselves lucky if none of their family members has died as result of pollution, which apparently causes lung cancer. Namely, the emissions of Kosovo A were 74 times higher than the maximum allowed by European standards (Salihu, 2006 , par. 3). Such huge emissions are largely due to the poor quality of the filters installed on the chimneys, which need to be replaced with more efficient ones.

            The magnitude of the pollution seems to be caused by the human factor as well, as the workers, and presumably, the managers, would remove the filter for greater power production (Salihu, 2006 , par. 10). As the news about the filter removal was spread, the management of KEK came out to say that they are not aware that something like that happened, and did not even initiate an investigation to at least prove that nothing has happened. The ministers of the energy sector say that “this situation is tragic, yet we must run the plants in order to provide enough electricity for the people of Kosovo” (Salihu, 2006 , par. 32).

            The idea of development and modernization is to find new and improved ways that people can benefit. Do we see that here? Apparently not. The statements of the ministers that we must choose whether we want a healthier environment or more energy is also tragic. There is always something that can be done to ensure that the tradeoff does not exist, or to at least minimize it. But nothing can be done if people who can make a difference stand idle. A lot more must be done to raise awareness of the subject, because, like you and me and everybody else living in Kosovo, people of Dardhishte village and its surrounding deserve the same living conditions we have. For if we do not do that, then there will be no equity in our society, and the environment and the people will suffer more and more.

            This article is written by Arben Salihu and published by institute for war and peace reporting. This article is about the environmental pollution that comes from the power plant Kosovo A and the villages that are nearest to the power plants. It includes declarations from some people who complain about the dust and air pollution that comes from the power plants, and are accusing it for many people’s death. In this article there is information also about the water being contaminated because of the ash deposits.

Salihu, A. (2005, February 21). Air Pollution Fears_. Lung cancer and respiratory diseases are cutting a swathe through villages next to Kosovo’s ageing electricity stations._ Retrieved September 10, 2012, from http://iwpr.net/report-news/kosovopullution-fears

In this article, issues of the chemicals that release air pollution from the concrete chimney of Kosovo A (KEK,) are effecting the health of the civilians in a small village called Dardhishte. Many of the people that live in Dardhishte die of lung cancer or other diseases, caused by the air pollution.  Muhamet Gerguri (a village leader,  says, “you consider yourself lucky if no one in your family has yet died, or is now dying of, cancer.”  This shows the tragedy of the people that live in that small village. The problem is KEK cannot prevent the air pollution from happening. While many people in the village have moved to safer areas, villages, and towns, families who are too poor to move out of the village have to suffer the consequences of an early death.

        This air pollution causes the death of 68% of babies near the cities and villages of KEK. The chemicals also go into the rivers, making the water unsafe not only to animals, but for humans to drink. The ministry of Environment is doing their best to help prevent such deaths. They promised to move families out of the areas where the air pollution is affecting them but not much has actually been done or enforced. Because KEK is in so much debt from the nonpaying users of electricity/energy, KEK is unable to afford filters for the power plants. KEK cannot stop working because we need our energy, but they also cannot prevent the harmful air pollution.

        This article explains just some of the dangers caused by KEK. But the only ones to blames are us. The people who don’t pay their bills caused KEK to be in debt. We are the causes of many deaths in the cities, towns, and villages near KEK. 

Shala, F., Dragusha, B., & Sadiku, M. (n.d.). Air pollution in the area around the mining complex Trepça in kosovo. 310-314. Retrieved in September 16, 2011 from http://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf
In this article, Shala, Dragusha, and Sadiku, present the results of a research conducted in the area near the Mining Complex Trepca in Kosovo, with the purpose of finding the level of environmental damage caused by the mine emissions. Their conclusion showed that the area around Trepca is negatively affected by the mining sector, specifically its toxic/acidic pollution, which comes as a consequence of unsafe working procedure and poor waste management. To evaluate their results, the authors use the limit values set by World Health Organization (WHO). Based on these data, they reach a conclusion that this area represents a major threat for the health of local inhabitants. Due to the lack of data and information regarding the level of pollution in this area, the article itself is very important source in building an argument how Trepca is one of the major pollutants in Kosovo.

Syla, A., Veliu, A., & Berisha, K. (2008, May 27). Air pollution with particulate matter and heavy metals of Kosovo thermal power plant. Retrieved in September 16, 2011, from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-972.pdf
The overview on Kosova's air pollution condition provided by the authors indicates that area around the Power Plants, mainly Obiliq, is one of the largest sites of air pollution in the country. The article provides a background overview on electricity production, then it continues with the generation power from the two main power plants, and it also describes the various environmental impacts of mining operations. As such the article is helpful in identifying the concrete emissions released from the power plants which represent parameters that will define effective solution to improve air quality in Kosova.
This article elaborates the case of one of the greatest polluters in Kosovo – the thermal Power Plant in Obiliq. Kosovo being very rich with coal started to use this resource to generate the energy and as such, Kosovo A and B thermo plants represent the major sources of energy in the country. Nevertheless, operating in poor conditions, both power plants emit major dangerous elements in the air, polluting at the same time air, water and soil. These and other problems, such as management of ash, coming as a consequence of a bad operation of thermo plants are touched by this article. Discussing the case of KEK, this article could be very well utilized in any research over air, water, and soil pollution in Kosovo and how these impact the lives of citizens.
This research article talks about the problems that thermal power plants located in Obiliq are causing to the air that we breathe. There are two thermal plants located only 5km away from the capital city, Pirshtina, and they burn coal to generate electricity. Taking into consideration that they are quite old and still use old technology to get the power plants going, they make a lot of external damage. The combustion process produces emissions that are spread to the air and those emissions include greenhouse gases such as CO₂, SO₂, NO, and particulate matter or (PM). Furthermore, the ash that is produced from these thermal power plants is transported by open-belt convoys that enable the ash to spread easily while being transported, thus causing air pollution and extensive health risks for the population. The authors also support the article with their facts, graphs and stats that show us just how polluted our air is (PM concentration in the air is drastically higher than other European countries). They don't offer any solution for the problem, but their findings will surely help us in the near future to more carefully choosing transport distribution, and trying to filter sources of pollution.

The article is mainly considering the air pollution in Kosovo from the time Thermal Power Plan has started to work in Obiliq. The city of Obiliq is considered as the largest air pollution. The concern is mainly on combustion process that leads to generations of emissions to air, water and soil. In this article are given the details of power generation in Kosovo, Power Plant Kosovo A, Power Plant Kosovo B. Coal reserves and their quality are also explained. Therefore all those energy sources in Kosovo are tending to pollute the air, and in this article.

Shala, F., Dragusha, B., & Sadiku, M. (n.d.). Recent Advences in Energy and Development. The World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf
http://www.wseas.us/e-library/conferences/2010/Cambridge/EE/EE-50.pdf

• "Air pollution in the area around the Mining Complex Trepça in Kosovo"*

In this paper written by F.Shala, B. Dragusha, and M. Sadiku, is presented the situation in the city of Mitrovica, the polluted air that it gets from the Mining Complex Trepca.
The city of Mitrovica is the most polluted one in Europe. In this area, as explained also in the paper, also the four rivers that are around the city and pass through it have a very polluted water. Furthermore, except from the Mining Complex Trepca, the air in Kosovo is also polluted from the Kosovo Electric Corporation, which is situated very close to the city of Mitrovica. Both of these pollutants do not have highly technologically developed machinery due to low investments in Kosovo. And some experiments being done in the city of Mitrovica are presented in the paper, as well as the results

Salihu, Arben. (2004). "Kosovo's Old Power Plants Sources of Cancer, Lung Disease." Environment News Service. Retrieved September 20, 2011, from <http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2004/2004-09-01-03.html>.
In the article that "Kosovo's Old Power Plants Sources of Cancer, Lung Disease", that is written by Arben Salihu, the author figures out the air pollution that is caused be thermo central energy power located in Obiliq-Kastriot. This continuous damage from air pollution has impacted the movement and impacted the decrease in population of villages near these energy sources. In addition, the author emphasizes that the pollution came from the two main power plants that are on the aforementioned bases.

Salihu, A. (2004, September 1). Kosovo's Old Power Plants Sources of Cancer, Lung Disease. ens-newswire. Retrieved September 19, 2011, fromwww.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2004/2004-09-01-03.html
This is an article written in English by Arben Salihu for the Environment New Services. This article emphasizes the risk of cancer that the Kosovo people have because of the power plants. Throughout this article one can also found many ideas and concerns from different people and officials.

Salihu, A. (2004, September 1). Kosovo Daily: Obiliq.Kosovo Daily. Retrieved September 19, 2011, fromhttp://diariokosovo.blogspot.com/2008/12/obiliq.html
Environment is an important and life risking issue in Kosovo. There are a lot of elements causing the bad image Kosovo has gained but this article focuses in one of the major environment pollutants which is power plant. According to Arben Salihu, the writer of article, power plants in Kosovo have caused a number of deaths especially in village named Dardhishte. The oxidation process results to the generation of emission to air. Also the ash released can easily be transported through open conveyer belt therefore people living close to Obiliq area, suffer from cancer, lung and other respiratory diseases. Beside Obiliq, Prishtina is also threatened by the dust clouds and smoke carried by the wind from power plants. Mr. Salihu also points that workers in late shifts in KEK also contribute in polluting the air because they remove the filters so they do not have to stand by the machines and this causes to poor maintenance of power. Nobody can ask KEK to stop its work because then there will be no energy provided, but on the other hand people will continue to get sick and there will be always polluted air around. Moreover, everybody knows the danger coming through toxic substances released but nobody can do anything because there is not enough money in Kosovo's budget to take care of it.

Tahirsylaj, S., & Latifi, L.(2010). Quality of air in urban and suburban area's of the Prishtina's and meteorological impact conditions in distribution of pollution. Retrieved from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1660.pdf&nbsp;
This article analyzes Prishtina's air quality as it is the most populated city in Kosovo and it is very close to thermo power plants Kosovo A and B. The air around Prishtina is considered to contain PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, and CO. The thermo power plants release high amounts of air pollutants that endanger the health of the population around.
The article focuses on air pollution with PM10, PM2.5, and TSP (total suspended particles) for the urban and suburban areas of Prishtina. The air pollutants were continuously measured with various sophisticated instruments and conclusions were made. The article is very educational and helpful since it concludes by noting that Prishtina's biggest problem in air quality is the high concentration of dust particles suspended in air.

References U-Z (edited by Flovijana Morina

UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG, School of Business, Economics and Law, Environmental Economics Unit (2008). Kosovo Environment and   Climate Analysis. Retrieved 18 September 2011, from, http://www.sida.se/Global/Countries%20and%20regions/Europe%20incl.%20Central%20Asia/Kosovo/Environmental%20policy%20brief%20Kosovo.pdf

The School of Business, Economics and Law (University of Gothenburg) wrote this draft paper in English language. It discusses some of the main environmental issues concerning Kosovo, such as air pollution and unclean water. There are also mentioned various impacts that such environmental issues have on public health.

UNMIK MESP, Kosovo. State of the Environment Report, Retrieved November 21, 2011 from

http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/index.htm

A web site with the information about water, air and land pollution in Kosovo. A lot of useful information, charts, tables. Information on power plants, their capacities, gases they release etc. Also good information about the water supply for whole Kosovo territory, sewer systems, irrigation systems etc.

Refrences A-E (edited by Kaltrina Sulejmani)

A:

Agjencioni për Mbrojtjen e Mjedisit të Kosovës (2011, October 24). Gjendje e Rëndë në Deponinë e Mirashit. AMMK. Retrieved September 11, 2012, from http://www.ammk-rks.net/?page=1,7,86

The article is titled “Gjendje e rëndë në deponinë e Mirashit” or translated to English “A difficult situation in Mirash’s deposit site.” The article is in Albanian; it is published by AMMK (The Environmental Protection Agency of Kosovo), on their website www.ammk-rks.net. The article was written after AMMK visited the waste deposit site in Mirash, Obiliq, with the inquiry of the Environmental Protection Office of Obiliq. The aim of the visit was to assess the situation of the deposit site which was believed to be in a bad state.

         In the article AMMK states that the situation in the waste deposit site is very poor due to bad management of the site but also other factors. One of the major concerns is regarding the waste water. The problem is that the pumps for the management of the waste water have not been in use since 2007 which has resulted in waste water getting on the surface and mixing with superficial water. Another major concern regarding this deposit site is the combustion of waste which has resulted in the pollution of the air on this zone. Due to these two and other factors, a strong unpleasant odor is present over the area which also creates conditions for the spread of diseases and epidemics, consequently putting the lives of those close enough to risk.

Agjensioni per Mbrojtjen e Mjedisit te Kosoves. (n.d.). Ajri. Retrieved October 9, 2012, from http://www.ammk-rks.net/?page=1,21

            This is another publication of AMMK (the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency). It briefly explains the bad air pollution situation in Kosovo and lists the main pollutants. Among the main pollutants are KEK and the traffic.

B:

Blackbird. (2008, April 29). Three theories on the origin of pollution in Kosovo. New Kosova Report. Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://www.newkosovareport.com/20080429913/Blackbird/three-theories-on-the-origin-of-pollution-in-kosovo.html

"Three theories on the origin of pollution in Kosovo" is an article written by a person with the nickname Blackbird. This article is published in the web-site, www.newkosovareport.com on Tuesday,
The Blackbird in this article writes about the polluted air in Kosovo, the main factors that impact Kosovars not to clean and take care of the environments outside their homes. The author starts the article by making-up a story, that Kosovars behave so, so that Kosovo becomes "unwanted", and other opponents will let Kosovars have it. But, then in the other paragraphs he clarifies that the truth is very different. He thinks that the main reason why Kosovars care only for their home, shops, private spaces is because here nobody feels as Kosovar. Albanians in Kosovo, feel as Albanians not Kosovars and the Serbs remain Serbs, no matter if they are in Kosovo or Serbia.
This is a very interesting viewpoint for the behavior of Kosovo's people. I think that even that the author made up the story in first paragraphs, what he really means is that if Albanians in Kosovo do not say that they are Kosovars, it is because they do not feel so, and for that reason they dot not really feel like this is their homeland, that is why they do not care to protect also spaces outside their homes.

C:

Çollaku, P. (2012, February 20). Ishulli Aziatik Këshillon Kosovarët për Thëngjill . www.gazetajnk.com. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from www.gazetajnk.com/index.php?cid=1,978,1424

This article is published in an online newspaper called Jeta ne Kosove (Life in Kosovo) on February 20, 2012. This article talks about the advice given by the asian island - Borneo to Kosovar citizens to put pressure upon policy makers to stop the usage of coal for producing electricity. Borneo island sends encouragement to oppose Kosovo's plans to build coal-fired power plant. In a video on You Tube, the people of Borneo seen explaining their success in stopping power plant that would reveal 'the evil black' in the environment.

D:

Demi, A., & Sinani, N. (2011). Energy Projects in Kosovo, 24. Retrieved September 7, 2011, from http://www.kipred.net/web/eng.php?cid=2,3&id=2011 
The article, "Energy Projects in Kosovo" has been recently published by the Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development together with GAP Institute and FIQ. The article mainly focuses on the privatization process of Kosova B thermal power plant. Also, it shows how the outside parties such as: Government of the Republic of Kosovo, World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation are associated with the problems which occur in energy related projects. Furthermore, this article mentions the standards of the European Union's latest energy policy objectives and where Kosovo stands within the obstacle.

E:

NONE.

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/KOSOVOEXTN/Resources/297769-1329940905064/kosovo_slideshow.pdf

http://www.banktrack.org/manage/ajax/ems_dodgydeals/createPDF/kosovo_c_coal_power_plant

Ndotja kërcënon banorët e Obiliqit

Based on this article, in 2010, 14 people from Obiliq are diagnosed with cancer and the number of people who visit the hospital is increasing from last year, this date are form the Obiliq Hospital. The KEK spokesman said that, 18 000 ton of dangerous material will be remove from the Obiliq, and in that place they will build a garden with many trees.  The direction of Environmental Protection sector said that the gas emission from KEK exceed the norms of European Union.

Reference:

Kasapolli-Selani Ariana "Ndotja Kërcënon Banorët E Obiliqit." Radio Evropa E Lirë. 03 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. <http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/3545433.html>.

KEK, € 25 million need to stop the air pollution

Based on the KEK’s functionary, the cost to repair three electro filters is € 25 million. This year, KEK will substitute two electro filters and next year they will substitute the last one. This repairing is paying only by KEK’s budget. After repairing those electro filters, the gas emission will be decreases in the air, it will be less than 50 mg/Nm³.  

Reference:

"KEK-u 25 Milionë Euro Për Mos Ndotjen E Ajrit « Ekonomi – Telegrafi. 26 July 2001. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.telegrafi.com/ekonomi/kek-u-25-milione-euro-per-mos-ndotjen-e-ajrit-46-8984.html>.

Integrating Environment into Agriculture and Forestry 

Progress and Prospects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

"Forestry. The Kosovo Forest Agency, established in 2003, is responsible for managing 

forests, i.e., public forests, and supervising private forest land. A Forestry Law, approved in 2003, is 

based on core principles of sustainable development, as defined in the Rio Convention of 1992. Best 

practices from the EU include establishing advisory services and promoting cooperation among 

private forest owners, who account for 38.4 percent of all forest area. Overall, the sector is 

characterized by poorly organized management  and control functions, and weak inter-agency 

coordination."  

An article for Forestry Law 

November 2007 -  http://www.worldbank.org/eca/pubs/envint/Volume%20II/English/Review%20KOS-final.pdf

Summary for Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment

"The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) routinely conducts an 

Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA) at its Missions at roughly five year 

intervals, corresponding to periodic planning intervals. The US Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) 

stipulates a review of the status of biodiversity conservation prior to the development of a new 

country assistance strategy and to help target and improve US government assistance to populations 

and economies dependent on these resources for their livelihoods. This report presents an update of a 

biodiversity assessment completed in 2003, plus it provides a State of the Environment report that 

emphasizes the water and energy sectors, two areas where USAID/Kosovo is currently engaged in 

several activities." 

USAID - August 2009  http://www.usaid.gov/kosovo/eng/documents/reports/kosovo_etoa.pdf

Ndotje enorme e ambientit në Kosovë

"Nga oxhaqet e termocentralit “Kosova B”, në bazë të analizave që janë bërë më herët nga Instituti “Inkos”, dalin rreth 280 miligramë kub hi, që do të thotë disa herë më shumë se normat e parapara të BE-së. Ndërkaq, jashtë filtrave të oxhaqeve të termocentralit “Kosova A” dalin rreth 1500 miligramë për metër kub.Sylë Tahirsylaj, drejtor i Institutit Hidrometeorologjik të Kosovës, thotë se për kontrollin e cilësisë së ajrit në vend aktualisht i kanë të vendosura 4 stacione, përderisa me ndihmën e Bashkimit Evropian do t’i blejnë edhe 5 të tjerë."

Zeri. (2011, 7 4). Ndotja enorme e ambientit ne Kosove. Retrieved 2 22, 2012, from www.kosovain.eu: http://www.kosovain.eu/?cid=1,40,5695

Investments to reduce KEK emission since 1999

Kosovo since 1999, have spent over 700 million euros for the import of energy and over 1 billion in renovations in plants A and B and we still are facing large reductions in electricity in most of our country .

JICA. (2008). Basic Information Survey for Kosovo. Prishtine: UNDP

Air Pollution from lignite-based electricity generation in Kosovo

This is a presentation based on a survey of Kosovo's Department of Environment. This survey shows the energy sector of Kosovo as an enermous polluter, especially KEK which faces structural problems and efficiency along all stages of value adding. According to this survey, the integrated power system consists of two lignite mines Bardh and Mirash, two Thermal power plans (Kosova A, B). Bardh's and Mirash's mines produce 7 million tons/year of lignite. Two biggest basins are Kosova's lignite basin and Dukagjini's basin lignite. This article shows the biggest problems that KEK face today; old plants with exceeded lifetime, high technical and commercial losses and the third biggest problem is high operational cost. Burning these huge amounts of coal causes emmisions to air. According to this presentation, the most important emissions to air from the combustion of lignite are SO2, NOx, CO2, particulate matter, heavy metal. This presentation is worthy to read.

Hakaj, N. (2006, September 12-15). Air pollution from ligtine-based electricity generation in Kosovo. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from www.unoosa.org:http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/sap/2006/graz/presentations/04-03.pdf

Pollution threatens the citizens of Obiliq

This article, published by the radio “Free Europe”, written by Ariana Kasapolli tells how many people have been having health difficulties due to KEK air pollution, in the Obiliq municipality. According to this article there have been 14 patients diagnosed with cancer within year 2010. In this article, there is the head of the district hospital Ms. Shulemaja, who argues the number of the patients received and diagnosed with cancer, has been increasing over the years. The head of the municipality of Obiliq,Mr Krasniqi,  says that there has been a request sent to the relevant institutions(KEK) to take measures in order to prevent air pollution. Also, we have the response of the spokesperson of KEK saying that, there have been projects implemented in this municipality to improve the environment within the region.

Kasapolli,A.(2011, March 4). Ndotja kercenon banoret e Obiliqit. Radio Evropa e Lire. Retrieved: ( February 16, 2012) from:http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/3545433.html

Environment and climate change

This article (rapport) written by UNDP, explains how the environmental issues in Kosovo are linked to the issues in human health, although we lack the awareness about its consequences in public places. On the other hand, it is a very important creation to be aware about, since it fulfills the European integration agenda, hence we have to be prepared and achieve the levels of international environmental conventions. Another important issue regarding environment is the Climate Changes which is greatly shifting (scientifically proven fact that was recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008). Examples and different instructions from other countries are a great benefit for Kosovo to take a lesson, since we know that every human is responsible of this change (and they are being all over the globe), Kosovo is not an exception.

References:  (2010). Environment and climate change. Retrieved from   <http://www.kosovo.undp.org/?cid=2,124>

KEK makes it harder to breath

This article published in Gazeta JnK online magazine shows details and facts about the health conditions of workers at KEK. According to the director of Institute for Medicine of Labour in Obilic, Xhevat Pllana, about 30 percent of workers at KEK suffer from respiratory diseases.

Moreover, while referring to some data gathered from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, a representative from the office of World Health Organization in Prishtina says that the incidence of lung cancer in the region of Prishtina and Obilic is pretty higher. There is an indication that one of the reasons for this incidence may be the environmental pollution, which is caused by the use of coal for electricity production.

Moreover, Smajl Mustafa is just one of the many KEK employees that manifested health issues linked to the power plant. According to Mustafa his sickness has emerged not only because of the difficult working conditions in the power plant, but also as a result of the huge lack of basic supplies for protection that are needed in the workplace. 

Reference: 

Selimi, A. (2011, October 28). KEK’u Vështirëson Frymëmarrjen. Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved January 24, 2012, from 
http://gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,978,441

Living under the shadow of death

This article presents some data on health issues affecting citizens of Obilic municipality. Data gathered by the Directorate for Health and Social Welfare in this municipality show that the whole region faces a high rate of respiratory diseases. The number of citizens who sought medical help at the Main Family Medicine Center in Obilic, just for the first six months of 2011, has exceeded the total number of inhabitants of the municipality.

In addition, the article shows that powerplant Kosovo A was labeled as "the worst individual source of pollution in South East Europe.” This note was discovered in a letter shared in May between Stefan Füle, the EU commissioner for enlargement, and Gunther Oettinger, World Bank’s commissioner for Energy.

Reference:

Musliu, J. (2011, September 21). Të Jetosh nën Hijen e Vdekjes. Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved January 24, 2012, from 
http://gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,978,39^^

Air Pollution with Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals of Kosovo Thermal Power Plant

This is an article which briefly explains vital environmental problems that exist in Kosovo. The article written by A.M. Syla,, A. H. Veliu, K Berisha clearly states the problems of air pollution in the surroundings of Power Plants that appeared as early as 1954 when Thermal Power Plant of Kosovo has started operating in Obiliq.Furthemore, it tells us how, the city of Obiliq, approximately 5 km north of Prishtina-capital of Kosovo, is the site that largely contributes to air pollution. Also, the authors state the fact that coal - related industries have been a major element of the economy of Kosovo, but created extensive health risks due to environmental pollution with PM and a variety of other substances.

Specifically, the generation of energy from thermal power plants is correlated with negative effects to the environment since the combustion installations use large amounts of fossil fuels or other natural resources to convert them in useful energy supply. Nevertheless, the combustion process leads to the emission of harmful particles to the air in forms of SO2, NOx, Particulate Matter, heavy metals, and CO2 which are considered as one of the most important environmental concerns nowadays.

A.M.Syla, A.H.Veliu, K.Berisha (2008, May 27-31). Air Pollution with Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals of Kosovo Thermal Power Plant. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from www.balwois.com

http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-972.pdf

Air pollution from lignite- based electricity generation in Kosovo

 In this presentation Ms.Hakaj presents some statistics regarding the environmental pollution from KEK. The presentation shows data about the type of the chemicals released by KEK and the amount of chemicals emitted.

Reference:

Hakaj, N. (2006, September 15). Air pollution from lignite- based electricity generation in Kosovo. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Retrieved fromhttp://www.unoosa.org/pdf/sap/2006/graz/presentations/04-03.pdf

(F-J)

Gazeta LAJM. (2011, April 21) Ndotja nga KEK-u jashtë standardeve. Retrieved September 18, 2011, fromhttp://www.gazetalajm.info/ekonomi/6298-Ndotja-nga-KEK--jasht-standardeve.html
This article is focused on how Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) is polluting the air. Experts on Environmental sector believe that KEK is not making enough investments on reducing air pollution. On the other hand, KEK argues that they are implementing environmental projects in the amount of fifty million euros.

Hakaj,N.(2006, September 12-15). Air pollution from lignite-based electricity generation in Kosovo. Department of Environment. Retrieved: (February 21, 2012) from:http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/sap/2006/graz/presentations/04-03.pdfThis is a presentation based on a survey of Kosovo's Department of Environment. This survey shows the energy sector of Kosovo as an enermous polluter, especially KEK which faces structural problems and efficiency along all stages of value adding. According to this survey, the integrated power system consists of two lignite mines Bardh and Mirash, two Thermal power plans (Kosova A, B). Bardh's and Mirash's mines produce 7 million tons/year of lignite. Two biggest basins are Kosova's lignite basin and Dukagjini's basin lignite. This article shows the biggest problems that KEK face today; old plants with exceeded lifetime, high technical and commercial losses and the third biggest problem is high operational cost. Burning these huge amounts of coal causes emmisions to air. According to this presentation, the most important emissions to air from the combustion of lignite are SO2, NOx, CO2, particulate matter, heavy metal. This presentation is worthy to read.

Hakaj, N., Balaj, N., & Hoxha, V. (2007, November 23). **Kosova- energy and environmental challenges to **{}{{*}}security_. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from*http://archive.rec.org/natoworkshop/draft_papers/hakaj_kosova.pdfhttp://archive.rec.org/natoworkshop/draft_papers/hakaj_kosova.pdfThis research paper talks about the environmental challenges that Kosovo faces from the pollution that is caused by the old power plants in Obiliq and the dirty coal mines right next to them. It is based on other research that has been done in this field and it is written in English. Its main objective is to reduce the environmental impacts of the energy use and to promote environmental awareness to the people. It also discusses in general the power-plants and the coal mines aside their effects of pollution to the environment

Hamidi, L., ( September, 2011). **Ndotje enorme e ambientit. (p. 1). Pristina: Zeri. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from*http://www.zeri.info/artikulli/1/34/29376/ndotje-enorme-e-ambientit/This newspaper article discuses enormous amounts of air pollution emmited by KEK in Obiliq municipality, near Pristina. It also discusses how some of the residents of Obiliq have had to abandon their houses because of lung diseases emerging in their families caused by ash emission from thermo central B in KEK. Because this part of KEK lacks appropriate filters to reduce ashes, it releases approximately 280 milligram ash, which is above the average levels set by EU standards. The director of hydrometeorology institution of Kosovo, Syle Tahirsylaj, said that they are doing the best in order to maintain and control the quality of air in Kosovo. They have 4 stations which allow them to control the air. Syle Tahirsylaj, says that by the end of this year they will be able to control emissions from KEK and maintain air quality as required by European standards.

Isufi, Florim, Gani Gashi, Ibrahim Ramadani, and Shpejtim Bulliqi. "Electric Power, Environmental Problem in Kosovo." (2007). Print. This paper starts by giving general information about Kosovo's main sources of energy, its power plants capacities, and it makes comparisons with neighbor states. As mentioned in the paper the main concerns tend to be the destructing environment, and the health of people living in Obilic and Hade. Authors point to dust as the main variable indicating these changes. But, also the article brings up also what are the effects of these environmental issues in socio economic sense. So, as a result we have change in the use of land, demography changes, population migrations, etc.

**Iniciativa Kosovare per Stabilitet. (2009).Thinking green. (p. 32). Prishtine: Iniciativa Kosovare per Stabilitet.Retrieved fromhttp://iksweb.org/Photos/Publikimet/Images/T%C3%AB_Mendosh_Gjelb%C3%ABr/enThinking_Green.pdf
'Thinking Green' presents a picture of the environmental situation in Kosova today and the way the national and municipal governments handle it, particularly in the municipalities of Prishtina and Obiliq. It touches the issues of air and water pollution in more details, though it talks generally about environmental degradation. Further this paper analyzes the legal framework for environmental issues.

KEK-u 25 milionë eu

ro për mos ndotjen e ajrit

Accroding to Telegrafi.com, in 2011 the administration of KEK has approved a 25 Million Euros investment in reducing the level of air pollution from KEK

Reference:

KEK-u 25 milionë euro për mos ndotjen e ajrit. (2011, August 26). Telegrafi. Retrieved fromhttp://www.telegrafi.com/ekonomi/kek-u-25-milione-euro-per-mos-ndotjen-e-ajrit-468984.htm

KEK-u është edhe kancerogjen

Ky artikull flet sesi semundjet e frymemarrjes prekin rreth 30 per qind te punetoreve te KEK-ut. Mirepo KEK-u nuk i merr me shqetesim te dhenat e Institutit te Mjekesise se Punes per shkallen e larte te semundjeve. Gjithashtu, ne artikull mund te gjeni te dhena dhe deklarata ne drejtoresha per Qendren e Mjekesise familjare ne Obiliq e cila shprehet mjafte e shqetesuar per shendetin e banoreve sidomos te asaj ane.

Reference:

KOSOVA PRESS (2012, February 26). KOSOVA PRESS. KOSOVA PRESS. Retrieved February 2012, from http://http://www.kosovapress.com/?cid=1,3,143513

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